Book: The Things You Kiss Goodbye by Leslie ConnorGenre: YA Contemporary
Rating:★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
For: fun
From: the library
Short Synopsis: Bettina is one odd duck. You know, the artsy type, the one that dresses weird, plus she's from a very strict Italian family, which always makes high school life harder. That's why when the basketball star starts paying attention to her, she falls pretty fast and hard. Besides, her dad decides he likes this guy and lets her go out with him. Finally, she has freedom. But gradually, this guy changes... so gradually in fact, Betinna hardly notices. But one day when he's especially mean, she runs to hide in a car shop near the store. Who she meets there changes everything.
My Response: Wow, this one deals with a hard subject. And is definitely not a happy ending, though it does leave you with a sense of hope. But still, be prepared! At any rate, I couldn't put this one down, for sure. It's beautifully written and beautifully told. I read it in pretty much a day and afterward had to just sit and take a minute to breathe.
Bottom Line: I almost loved it, but it was just too sad to completely love!
Let's Talk About: Sad endings. So, usually I totally love them. They are powerful. You never forget them. But sometimes, they are just too much, you know? What do you think? Are you fan of the sad ending? Always? Sometimes? Never?
Other Reviews:
A powerful read with moments of breathlessness From Waking Brain Cells
At first I thought it was just some regular teen romance but no, this is more. So much more. Its real life in a compact, well written, beautiful story that once you start there is no turning back. From Books With Bite
This would be a good book for someone who wants to see a character recover and become stronger after something turns their life upside down. From This Blonde Reads
This one sounds interesting and I'm a sucker for sad endings. As long as they aren't maddening sad endings... if that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteJenny: Yes, and I don't think this qualifies. I hope it doesn't. It's just a plain old sad ending!
DeleteThis is a difficult one for me, because I love the synopsis. But I hate sad endings. I always end up trying to think up happier endings for a book.
ReplyDeleteBelle: It would be interesting to know what alternate happy ending you'd think up for this book. And if it was happy, would it pack such a powerful punch?
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